LIVERPOOL are reportedly set to poach Scottish wonderkid Ben Doak on a free transfer from Celtic.
The 16-year-old is yet to sign a professional contract at the Scottish giants and would only command a small compensation fee, which could be as little as £150,000.
And according to The Athletic, the Reds are set to win the race for Doak with the prospect of working with Jurgen Klopp proving pivotal.
Celtic have lost a number of academy stars to top clubs across Europe in recent years.
And manager Ange Postecoglou tried to entince Doak to stay by handing him minutes in high-pressure games against Dundee United and Rangers.
Postecoglou was hoping to show Doak that there was a viable path to regular first-team football.
Doak could follow a similar route into Liverpool’s as Harvey Elliott.
The Reds midfielder joined from Fulham in 2019 and similarly to Doak, has a deceptively good first touch and close control.
On Doak, Celtic boss Postecoglou said: “I’ve said all along my role is to look after the footballers that want to be here.
“The footballers that don’t want to be here? There’s another avenue there for them.
CHELTENHAM FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – ALL THE LATEST DEALS FOR THE RACING THIS WEEK
“When you look at the starting line-up against Dundee United there were a few boys who started out as ball boys for our club.
“You can’t tell me they haven’t had careers – they’ve represented their country, they’ve won trophies.
“There are a couple down south who started here too. People may think going down south is a reward or some guarantee of success.
“Life – and football in general – shows you there are many avenues towards that goal. I think you’re in a great place here if that’s what your end game is.”
